YOURLS

Free plan APISelf-hostedWeb

What YOURLS is

YOURLS is free, open-source PHP software for running a URL-shortening service on your own server and domain. It supports web, API, and self-hosted use, with custom domains and reports covering historical clicks, referrers, and visitor geolocation. Bookmarklets can shorten and share links. The API creates or retrieves short URLs, expands links, returns statistics, and outputs JSON, XML, or raw text. A plugin architecture adds features without changing core files, although creating plugins requires PHP knowledge. API authentication supports a username and password or a passwordless signature. Private mode protects the admin area with login credentials by default; public mode allows anyone with the URL to access it. Installation involves uploading files to a website, configuring the software, and connecting a database. Requirements include PHP 8.1 or later, MySQL 5 or later, a web server with mod_rewrite enabled, and HTTPS support. YOURLS automatically replaces plain-text configuration passwords with encrypted hashes when it runs. The YOURLS plan costs nothing, and the code is licensed under MIT; documentation uses CC BY 4.0.

Who it suits

YOURLS suits individuals or organizations wanting to host URL shortening on their own server and domain. It fits users comfortable managing PHP, MySQL, web-server configuration, and optional plugins.

What it does well

Free and open-source under the MIT license
Self-hosted custom-domain URL shortening
API returns links and statistics in multiple formats
Historical clicks, referrers, and geolocation reports
Private admin mode enabled by default

What to know first

Requires PHP 8.1 or later
Needs MySQL and mod_rewrite-enabled web server
HTTPS is required
Public shortening requires spam and security management

Plans

Plan	Billed and limits	Price
YOURLS	Free and open-source software · self-hosted on your own domain	Free

As yourls.org lists them, read 12 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Verdict

YOURLS gives technically capable users control over a self-hosted short-link service, including APIs, reports, and plugins. Its server requirements and the operational risks of public shortening should be considered before deployment.

Facts from YOURLS's own pages

Admin access: Private mode is the default and protects the admin area with a login and password; public mode allows anyone with the URL to access it. · yourls.org, 12 Oct 2026
API: The API can create or retrieve short URLs, expand links, return link statistics, and output JSON, XML, or raw text. · yourls.org, 12 Oct 2026
API access: Yes · yourls.org, 21 Sept 2026
Authentication: The API supports username and password authentication or a passwordless signature mechanism. · yourls.org, 12 Oct 2026
Bookmarklets: YOURLS includes bookmarklets to shorten and share links. · app.yourls.org, 12 Oct 2026
Custom domains: Yes · yourls.org, 21 Sept 2026
Free plan: Yes · yourls.org, 21 Sept 2026
Installation: YOURLS is installed on a website by uploading its files, configuring it, and connecting it to a database. · yourls.org, 12 Oct 2026
License and documentation: The project states that its code is licensed MIT and its documentation CC BY 4.0. · yourls.org, 12 Oct 2026
Link statistics: It provides historical click reports, referrer tracking, and visitor geolocation. · yourls.org, 12 Oct 2026
Open source: YOURLS is free and open-source software, and its code is licensed under the MIT license. · yourls.org, 12 Oct 2026
Password security: YOURLS automatically replaces plain-text passwords in its configuration with encrypted hashes when it runs. · yourls.org, 12 Oct 2026
Plugins: Its plugin architecture lets users add features and behaviors without modifying core files; creating plugins requires some PHP knowledge. · yourls.org, 12 Oct 2026
Public shortening considerations: The documentation warns that a public shortening interface requires handling spam and may create performance and security concerns. · yourls.org, 12 Oct 2026
Server requirements: Installation requires PHP 8.1 or later, MySQL 5 or later, and a web server with mod_rewrite enabled; HTTPS support is listed as a requirement. · yourls.org, 12 Oct 2026
Support: The documentation directs users to search existing issues and read contribution guidelines before filing a new issue. · yourls.org, 12 Oct 2026
What it does: YOURLS is a set of PHP scripts for running your own URL-shortening service on your server and domain. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026